Overview

The Start of Hollywood Walk of Fame sits at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, marking the western threshold of one of the world's most photographed stretches of pavement. This is where the iconic brass stars embedded in the sidewalk begin their 1.3-mile eastward run down Hollywood Boulevard toward Vine Street. If you're visiting Los Angeles, this intersection serves as a natural entry point to explore the Walk of Fame on foot, and it's where most visitors begin their stroll through this open-air tribute to entertainment history.

You won't find a gate, ticket booth, or formal entrance here. The Start of Hollywood Walk of Fame is simply a public sidewalk you can access anytime, day or night. It's free to walk, photograph, and explore at your own pace. The brass stars themselves are embedded directly in the pavement, each one honoring a figure from film, television, radio, theater, or the recording industry.

Why this place matters

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is arguably the most recognizable tourist destination in Los Angeles. Since the first star was dedicated in 1960, the Walk has grown into a cultural landmark that draws millions of visitors annually. The location at Hollywood and Highland is particularly significant because it sits adjacent to the Hollywood & Highland shopping center, a major commercial hub, making it one of the busiest and most accessible points along the entire stretch.

This corner has become a pilgrimage site for fans of cinema, music, and television. Walking here, you're literally treading on a path that honors the entertainment industry's history and its most celebrated figures. For many international visitors, seeing the Walk of Fame in person is a bucket-list experience tied to their image of Los Angeles and American pop culture.

Quick facts

• Location: Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028
• The Walk of Fame extends 1.3 miles from the starting point at Highland Avenue eastward along Hollywood Boulevard
• First star dedicated in 1960
• Access: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, completely free
• Nearby landmark: Hollywood & Highland shopping center directly adjacent
• Busiest times: Late morning through early evening, especially weekends

Getting there

If you're driving, the Hollywood & Highland parking garage sits directly across from the Start of Hollywood Walk of Fame. Street parking along Hollywood Boulevard fills quickly, especially during peak hours, so the parking structure is your most reliable option. You'll pay a parking fee, though validation is sometimes available if you make a purchase at the shopping center.

Public transit works well here. The Hollywood/Highland Metro Station (Red Line) opens directly into the Hollywood & Highland complex, putting you within steps of the Walk of Fame's starting point. From downtown Los Angeles, the Red Line takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes to reach this station.

If you're staying in central Hollywood or the surrounding neighborhoods, this intersection is walkable from most hotels. The corner is well-lit and heavily trafficked during daytime hours, though the area does quiet down significantly after dark.

The layout and experience

The actual starting point is unmarked, but you'll know it when you reach the corner where Hollywood Boulevard intersects with Highland Avenue. The brass stars begin here and continue eastward along the north and south sides of Hollywood Boulevard. The sidewalk is wide enough to accommodate pedestrians, though it gets crowded, especially on weekends and during tourist season.

Each star measures about 3.5 inches across and is embedded flush with the pavement. Above each star is a category symbol indicating the honoree's field: a film reel for motion pictures, a television set for television, a microphone for recording, a radio tower for radio, or a theatrical mask for live performance. Some stars honor figures with achievement in multiple fields, which means they may have more than one star along the Walk.

You'll find that the experience is highly self-directed. There are no guided pathways, no barriers, and no staff members stationed along the route. You simply walk, stop to read names that interest you, and take photos. Many visitors spend anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours on the Walk, depending on how many stars they want to examine and photograph.

Main highlights

The Hollywood & Highland shopping center itself is worth a quick look, particularly if you want to step inside for air conditioning, use a restroom, or grab refreshment. The center has multiple levels and overlooks the famous Hollywood sign in the distance from certain vantage points.

As you head eastward from the starting point, you'll encounter stars honoring figures across all entertainment disciplines. The Walk spans decades of entertainment history, from silent film era celebrities to contemporary music and film personalities. Some stars attract larger crowds than others, depending on current cultural relevance and fan devotion.

The Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards ceremony, sits a few blocks east of this starting point. If you time your walk right, you might catch a glimpse of the theater's distinctive architecture as you move along the Boulevard.

History and background

The Hollywood Walk of Fame was created in 1960 as a way to honor and promote the entertainment industry. The first star was dedicated to actress Joanne Woodward on February 9, 1960. Since then, over 2,700 stars have been added to the Walk, making it one of the longest and most elaborate tributes to entertainment figures anywhere in the world.

The Walk was designed to revitalize Hollywood Boulevard, which had begun to decline in the 1950s. The project succeeded in drawing tourists and attention back to the area, though the neighborhood's character has shifted many times over the decades. Today, the Walk of Fame remains a reliable draw for visitors from around the world, even as the surrounding commercial landscape continues to evolve.

The starting point at Hollywood and Highland became particularly prominent after the Hollywood & Highland shopping center opened in 2002. The center was built specifically to frame the Hollywood sign in its central courtyard, and its location made this intersection a natural gathering spot for tourists beginning their Walk of Fame experience.

Best time to visit

Early morning, before 9 AM, offers the calmest experience if you prefer fewer crowds and easier photography. The sidewalk is still busy, but you'll avoid the peak tourist rush that builds through mid-morning and peaks in the afternoon.

Late afternoon, around 4 to 5 PM, is another relatively quieter window before the evening crowd arrives. Weekdays are noticeably less congested than weekends, though Hollywood Boulevard remains a busy pedestrian area year-round.

Avoid midday between 11 AM and 3 PM if you dislike crowds. This is peak tourist hours, and the sidewalk can feel genuinely packed, especially during summer and holiday periods. The sun is also most intense during these hours, which can make photography difficult and walking uncomfortable.

Weather in Los Angeles is generally mild, but summer heat can be significant. Winter months bring the most pleasant daytime temperatures for walking outdoors for extended periods. Rain is rare, but when it does occur, the brass stars can become slippery, so wear appropriate footwear.

Photography tips

Photographing the stars themselves can be tricky because of the constant foot traffic. If you want a clear shot of a particular star with minimal people in the frame, arrive very early in the morning or ask nearby people politely to step aside for a moment. Many visitors wait for a clear space rather than trying to shoot through crowds.

Overhead sun creates harsh shadows on the brass stars, making details harder to see in photos. Morning or late afternoon light is gentler and shows the star details more clearly. If you're shooting in midday sun, you might find it easier to photograph the category symbol and the star name from an angle rather than straight down.

The Hollywood & Highland building provides a good backdrop for wide-angle shots that place your subject within the context of the Walk of Fame. The Hollywood sign visible from certain points along the Boulevard also makes for compelling background elements in photos.

Facilities and preparation

Restrooms are available inside the Hollywood & Highland shopping center. Several restaurants, cafes, and fast-casual dining options are located within the center, as well as retail shops if you need anything during your visit.

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good sole support. The sidewalk is uneven in places, and you'll be walking on concrete for extended periods if you explore the full length of the Walk. Sunscreen and a hat are recommended, especially during midday hours or summer months.

Bring water if you plan to spend more than an hour walking. While there are some beverage options within the shopping center, they're not always immediately adjacent to the Walk itself. A portable phone charger is useful if you plan to take many photos or use GPS navigation.

How it compares to similar places

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is unique because it's entirely free and open to the public at all times. Other entertainment-focused attractions in Los Angeles, like the Hollywood Museum or the TCL Chinese Theatre, charge admission and have specific operating hours. The Walk of Fame's accessibility is part of what makes it such a popular tourist destination.

Compared to similar tributes in other cities, like the Nashville Music City Walk of Fame or the Las Vegas Walk of Stars, Hollywood's version is by far the longest and most established. The Hollywood Walk of Fame's association with the film industry, combined with its location in the heart of Los Angeles, gives it outsized cultural significance.

Combining with nearby attractions

The TCL Chinese Theatre is about two blocks east along Hollywood Boulevard. This historic theater is famous for its handprints and footprints of celebrities embedded in concrete outside its entrance. You can view these for free from the street, though the theater itself charges admission for tours or movie screenings.

The Hollywood Museum is located on Hollywood Boulevard a short walk away. It houses memorabilia, costumes, and artifacts from film and television history. This is a paid attraction but offers deeper context about the entertainment figures honored on the Walk of Fame.

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is nearby and worth seeing for its architecture and cultural history, even if you're not staying there. Several restaurants and bars occupy the ground floor and are open to the public.

Griffith Observatory is about a 15-minute drive up the hill from this location. It offers views across Los Angeles and houses exhibits about astronomy. The observatory itself is free to enter, though parking fills quickly during popular hours.

Sample visit plan

A basic visit works like this: Arrive at Hollywood and Highland by mid-morning. Spend 30 to 45 minutes walking eastward along Hollywood Boulevard, stopping to examine stars that interest you and taking photos. If a particular star or area captures your attention, linger there. Once you reach the TCL Chinese Theatre, you've covered a substantial portion of the Walk's most famous section.

If you want a more comprehensive experience, continue walking eastward toward Vine Street. This adds another 30 to 45 minutes to your time. If you have children or lower tolerance for walking, focus on the section between Highland and Vine, which contains many of the most recognizable names and requires less than an hour to cover at a casual pace.

Factor in a break at Hollywood & Highland if you need refreshment or a restroom. This lets you transition smoothly between walking segments without feeling rushed.

Practical tips

• Check a map or use your phone to look up specific stars before you arrive if you want to find particular honorees
• The sidewalk is uneven; watch your step, especially if you're focused on looking down at the stars
• Bring cash if you want to give tips to street performers who pose for photos, though this is entirely optional
• Avoid walking alone after dark; the area is heavily monitored but less populated late at night
• Street vendors sell maps and souvenirs along the Walk; prices are typically mid-range to upscale
• The parking garage at Hollywood & Highland accepts credit cards and sometimes offers validation with purchases
• If you're visiting during summer, start your walk early to beat the heat and afternoon crowds

FAQ

How much does it cost to walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame? It's completely free. The sidewalk is public property, and there are no admission fees or barriers to entry at any point along the Walk.

Can I drive along Hollywood Boulevard to see the Walk of Fame? You can drive along Hollywood Boulevard, but parking is limited and expensive, especially near the starting point. Most visitors find it easier to park in the Hollywood & Highland garage or use public transit, then explore on foot.

How long does it take to see the whole Walk of Fame? The entire Walk spans 1.3 miles. If you walk the full length at a leisurely pace with frequent stops, plan for 2 to 3 hours. Most visitors focus on a smaller section near the starting point, which takes 45 minutes to an hour.

Is the Hollywood Walk of Fame safe to visit? The area is generally safe during daytime hours and early evening, with significant foot traffic and visible security. Late night visits are less advisable, particularly if you're unfamiliar with the area or traveling alone.

What's the best way to find a specific star? The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce maintains a searchable online database of all stars on the Walk. You can look up a name and find its location on Hollywood Boulevard before you visit, which saves time if you're looking for a particular honoree.